In this Introduction, Seller begins by stating that most of ethnic theatre centered around social problems immigrants faced when they came to America. She goes on to elaborate on some of these problems, pointing out that performance groups were often low on funds and faced "opposition within the community." Next Seller explains the numerous positive things to come from these ethnic theaters: many immigrants used theatre as an escape from their harsh and monotonous life, enjoying the traditions of their homeland acted out on stage. There, individuals who could not read learned about their countries of origin, and Americans similarly had the opportunity to learn about differing cultures. Plays addressing social issues raised general awareness in America about the injustices many immigrants faced though comedies and satires. Seller next points out that ethnic theaters served to bring families and people together from "widely divergent backgrounds," exposing all groups involved to the others' way of life. Though ethnic theatre declined in the late 1920's, it experienced a dramatic resurgence in the 1960's as different ethnic groups desired to feel a connection to their specific culture. It also helped facilitate "cultural pluralism" in which individuals could champion their ethnicity instead of feeling pressured to be American. In theatre, actors can step outside the cultural norms established for them by society and portray a character as they wish. For immigrants or people of different ethnicities, theatre offers an arena for creativity and genuine expression of culture.
In this Introduction, Seller begins by stating that most of ethnic theatre centered around social problems immigrants faced when they came to America. She goes on to elaborate on some of these problems, pointing out that performance groups were often low on funds and faced "opposition within the community." Next Seller explains the numerous positive things to come from these ethnic theaters: many immigrants used theatre as an escape from their harsh and monotonous life, enjoying the traditions of their homeland acted out on stage. There, individuals who could not read learned about their countries of origin, and Americans similarly had the opportunity to learn about differing cultures. Plays addressing social issues raised general awareness in America about the injustices many immigrants faced though comedies and satires. Seller next points out that ethnic theaters served to bring families and people together from "widely divergent backgrounds," exposing all groups involved to the others' way of life. Though ethnic theatre declined in the late 1920's, it experienced a dramatic resurgence in the 1960's as different ethnic groups desired to feel a connection to their specific culture. It also helped facilitate "cultural pluralism" in which individuals could champion their ethnicity instead of feeling pressured to be American. In theatre, actors can step outside the cultural norms established for them by society and portray a character as they wish. For immigrants or people of different ethnicities, theatre offers an arena for creativity and genuine expression of culture.